Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla assumed charge of the Indian Navy’s Chief of Personnel on May 10, signalling a significant milestone in his distinguished career. Prior to assuming charge as the COP, he held the position of Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command, which involved overseeing pivotal operations such as Op Sankalp and notable events like the Navy Day Op Demo 2023 at Sindhudurg. These recent accomplishments emphasise his preparedness and aptitude to guide the Indian Navy’s personnel.
VAdm Sanjay Bhalla, AVSM, NM, assumed charge as the Chief of Personnel, todate #10May 24.
A Communication & EW Specialist, he has held several important Ops, Staff & Training appointments incl those of Chief of Staff, @IN_WNC, #FOCEF & ACOP (Human Resource Development) at #NHQ. pic.twitter.com/5E81hZk5yy
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 10, 2024
According to the Indian Navy’s statement, commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 January 1989, he has amassed 35 years of diverse experience, serving in various specialist, staff, and operational roles both at sea and on land. After completing the Specialisation Course in Communication and Electronic Warfare, he contributed his expertise aboard numerous frontline warships. His career also includes commanding esteemed vessels such as INS Nishank, INS Taragiri, and INS Beas, as well as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF) role. Notable highlights of his tenure as FOCEF include overseeing the prestigious President’s Fleet Review (PFR – 22) and leading the Sea Phase of the Indian Navy’s flagship multinational exercise MILAN – 22, marked by extensive participation from Friendly Foreign Countries. On land, he has served in pivotal staff roles at Naval Headquarters, including Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development), overseen officer training at the Naval Academy, and represented the Navy in diplomatic assignments abroad.
An alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, the Naval War College, and the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, his academic achievements include an MPhil in Defence & Strategic Studies, a Masters in International Security and Strategic Studies from Kings College, London, an M.Sc in Defence & Strategic Studies from Madras University, and an M.Sc in Telecom from CUSAT.
In acknowledgement of his exceptional Service, the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief honoured him with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, the Nao Sena Medal, and Commendations.
Team BharatShakti
